Monitoring Volcanoes and Magma Movements from edX

The course gives an introduction to volcano monitoring techniques, magma movements and volcano unrest. It also presents some aspects of why volcanoes are dangerous and volcanic hazards. Volcano monitoring relies on diverse approaches to infer the state of a volcano so many different instruments and techniques are used to monitor volcanoes. Predicting eruptions or forecasting future activity of a volcano is based on monitoring data. If activity level rises above normal the volcano is in a state of unrest. Magma often intrudes in the roots of volcanoes prior to eruptions. This process generates earthquakes as stress level is increased and ground deformation as the volcano expands in response to additional mass in its subsurface. Seismology and geodetic measurements on the surface of the volcano are thus key to monitoring subsurface conditions.

As magma, molten rock inside volcanoes, approaches the surface it releases volcanic gas that finds its way to the surface, and geothermal activity can change. In addition to ground-based techniques, satellite observations are extensively used. The main monitoring techniques for volcanoes are explained in the course, with the aim that students understand both the concept of volcanic unrest and how it can be monitored, how eruptions can be monitored, and signs of volcanic eruptions as seen on instruments.

Understanding the possibilities and limitations of present-day volcano monitoring for detecting magma movements is an important step in understanding volcanoes, evaluating hazards and for giving warnings of impending eruptions. The course thus provides information on how scientists predict future activity of volcanoes and volcanic eruptions. Monitoring data are interpreted in terms of models of subsurface processes such as magma accumulation during volcano unrest, and magma withdrawal during eruptions. The course gives an introduction to such models, used to infer the volume and location of magma movements in volcano roots, in particular those based on mapping ground deformation.

The course presents examples of monitoring data and interpretations from recent eruptions and periods of volcanic unrest in Iceland and around the world, including the 2010 eruption of Eyjafjallajökull that closed Europe’s airspace.

What you'll learn

Develop an understanding of volcanic plumbing systems and magma movements in volcanoes.
Develop an understanding of the concept of volcanic unrest.
Become familiar with volcano monitoring techniques.
Understand how seismology is used to study volcano earthquakes.
Understand how volcano geodesy is used to map ground deformation on volcanoes.
Understand what volcanic gas tells us about magma movements.
Understand what produces variations in geothermal activity on volcanoes.
Understand how satellites can be used effectively to map changes on volcanoes.
Develop an understanding of key properties of magma relevant to volcano models.
Develop an understanding of how eruptions are monitored and how eruption rates can be evaluated.
Develop an understanding of models used to interpret volcano deformation, including response to a pressure increase in a spherical source (the Mogi model).
Develop an understanding of how volcano observations are fit to models.
Gain knowledge about a number of volcanic unrest periods and eruptions in Iceland and elsewhere.
Gain knowledge about how to design a volcano monitoring network and use monitoring data to mitigate the influence of volcanic hazards.

What's inside

Learning objectives

Develop an understanding of volcanic plumbing systems and magma movements in volcanoes.
Develop an understanding of the concept of volcanic unrest.
Become familiar with volcano monitoring techniques.
Understand how seismology is used to study volcano earthquakes.
Understand how volcano geodesy is used to map ground deformation on volcanoes.
Understand what volcanic gas tells us about magma movements.
Understand what produces variations in geothermal activity on volcanoes.

Understand how satellites can be used effectively to map changes on volcanoes.
Develop an understanding of key properties of magma relevant to volcano models.
Develop an understanding of how eruptions are monitored and how eruption rates can be evaluated.
Develop an understanding of models used to interpret volcano deformation, including response to a pressure increase in a spherical source (the mogi model).
Develop an understanding of how volcano observations are fit to models.
Gain knowledge about a number of volcanic unrest periods and eruptions in iceland and elsewhere.
Gain knowledge about how to design a volcano monitoring network and use monitoring data to mitigate the influence of volcanic hazards.

Develop an understanding of volcanic plumbing systems and magma movements in volcanoes.
Develop an understanding of the concept of volcanic unrest.
Become familiar with volcano monitoring techniques.
Understand how seismology is used to study volcano earthquakes.
Understand how volcano geodesy is used to map ground deformation on volcanoes.
Understand what volcanic gas tells us about magma movements.
Understand what produces variations in geothermal activity on volcanoes.
Understand how satellites can be used effectively to map changes on volcanoes.
Develop an understanding of key properties of magma relevant to volcano models.
Develop an understanding of how eruptions are monitored and how eruption rates can be evaluated.
Develop an understanding of models used to interpret volcano deformation, including response to a pressure increase in a spherical source (the mogi model).
Develop an understanding of how volcano observations are fit to models.
Gain knowledge about a number of volcanic unrest periods and eruptions in iceland and elsewhere.
Gain knowledge about how to design a volcano monitoring network and use monitoring data to mitigate the influence of volcanic hazards.

Syllabus

Module 1 : Introduction, volcanic plumbing systems and volcano seismology. We explore models of volcano interiors and how magma (molten rocks) finds its way to the surface, often through a complicated volcanic plumbing system. We learn about how seismology can track earthquakes due to magma movements and increased stress in volcano roots.

Module 2 : Volcano geodesy. We get an introduction to techniques that can measure ground deformation on volcanoes with millimeter-level accuracy. This includes both geodetic measurements using Global Navigation and Satellite Systems (GNSS) and interferometric analysis of synthetic aperture radar satellite images (InSAR), as well as other techniques.

Module 3 : Magma, volcanic gas and eruptions. We learn about the properties of magma and gain an understanding of volcanic gas, how it can be measured and what it can tell us. We learn how one can monitor eruptions and measure how much magma is erupted.

Module 4 : Volcano deformation models. We are introduced to models used to interpret ground deformation data, in terms of sources of increased pressure, or sources of increased volume of magma, at depth in volcanoes.

Module 5 : Case studies of volcano unrest and eruptions. We look at monitoring data from selected eruptions, including the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption in Iceland that closed Europe’s airspace. We gain an understanding of what these data could tell us about magma movements in volcano roots.

Module 6 : More case studies and summary. We are exposed to more case studies of volcano unrest and eruptions. We sum up the content of the course by exploring the critical elements of a volcano monitoring network and how joint interpretation of diverse data sets is essential.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores volcano interiors, which is foundational to understanding volcanoes

Covers a range of topics, including seismology, geodesy, and volcanic gas

Provides knowledge about models used for interpreting volcano deformation data

Explores key properties of magma relevant to understanding volcanic processes

Provides insights into eruptions and how eruption rates can be evaluated

Presents case studies of volcano unrest and eruptions, offering practical examples

Taught by experts in the field of volcanology, providing credibility and up-to-date knowledge

Highly relevant to those working in fields related to volcanology and natural hazards

Requires a foundational understanding of natural sciences, such as geology and physics

May not be suitable for individuals with limited background in volcanology or geosciences

Reviews summary

Highly rated volcano course

Learners say this engaging course on volcano monitoring is well worth checking out. The course covers a range of topics about volcano science, including case studies and examples. There are resources for all levels of learners including good visuals, videos, and assignments that help learners to learn more about this topic.

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Monitoring Volcanoes and Magma Movements with these activities:

Review the book "Volcanoes: A Primer" by Robert Decker and Barbara Decker

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This book provides a comprehensive overview of volcanoes and volcanic processes.

View Volcanoes on Amazon

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Read the book
Take notes on the key concepts
Discuss the book with classmates or the instructor

Review basic geology

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Volcanic plumbing systems and deformation are built on basic geological concepts.

Browse courses on Geology

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Review the rock cycle and plate tectonics
Study different types of rocks and their properties
Learn about geological structures such as faults and folds

Practice interpreting volcano monitoring data

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Interpreting volcano monitoring data is a critical skill for volcanologists.

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Find a dataset of volcano monitoring data
Choose a data visualization tool
Plot the data and identify any trends or patterns
Interpret the data and make predictions about future volcanic activity

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Create a study guide for the course

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A study guide can help organize and review course materials to better prepare for assessments.

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Gather all of the course materials
Organize the materials by topic
Create a study guide that includes key concepts, definitions, and practice questions

Career center

Learners who complete Monitoring Volcanoes and Magma Movements will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Volcanologist

Volcanologists study volcanoes and the processes that create them. They use a variety of techniques to monitor volcanoes, including seismology, geodesy, and gas measurements. This course provides a comprehensive overview of volcano monitoring techniques and the concepts of volcanic unrest and eruptions. It would be useful for anyone interested in a career as a volcanologist.

See salaries and explore the career path for Volcanologist

Geophysicist

Geophysicists study the physical properties of the Earth, including its interior, atmosphere, and oceans. They use a variety of techniques to collect data about the Earth, including seismic waves, gravity measurements, and magnetic surveys. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which are essential for geophysicists who study volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geophysicist

Geodetic Surveyor

Geodetic surveyors use a variety of techniques to measure the shape and size of the Earth. They use this information to create maps, charts, and other geospatial data. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano geodesy, which is essential for geodetic surveyors who work on volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geodetic Surveyor

Seismologist

Seismologists study earthquakes and the waves they produce. They use a variety of techniques to locate earthquakes, determine their magnitude, and understand their causes. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano seismology, which is essential for seismologists who study earthquakes on volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Seismologist

Volcano Monitoring Technician

Volcano monitoring technicians operate and maintain the equipment used to monitor volcanoes. They collect data on seismic activity, ground deformation, and other volcanic activity. This course provides a comprehensive overview of volcano monitoring techniques, which would be essential for anyone interested in a career as a volcano monitoring technician.

See salaries and explore the career path for Volcano Monitoring Technician

Natural Hazards Manager

Natural hazards managers develop and implement plans to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for natural hazards managers who work on volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Natural Hazards Manager

GIS Analyst

GIS analysts use geographic information systems (GIS) to create maps and other visual representations of data. They use GIS to analyze data and solve problems in a variety of fields, including natural hazards management. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for GIS analysts who work on volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for GIS Analyst

Emergency Manager

Emergency managers develop and implement plans to prepare for and respond to emergencies, such as natural disasters and terrorist attacks. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for emergency managers who work on volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Emergency Manager

Science Writer

Science writers communicate complex scientific information to the public. They write articles, books, and other materials that explain scientific discoveries and their implications. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for science writers who write about volcanoes.

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Geologist

Geologists study the Earth's history, structure, and composition. They use a variety of techniques to study the Earth, including field observations, laboratory experiments, and computer modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for geologists who study volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Geologist

Environmental Scientist

Environmental scientists study the environment and the impact of human activities on the environment. They use a variety of techniques to study the environment, including field observations, laboratory experiments, and computer modeling. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for environmental scientists who study volcanoes.

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Teacher

Teachers develop and implement lesson plans to teach students about a variety of subjects. They use a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, discussions, and hands-on activities. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for teachers who teach about volcanoes.

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Laboratory Technician

Laboratory technicians conduct experiments and analyze data under the supervision of scientists. They use a variety of laboratory equipment and techniques to perform their work. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for laboratory technicians who work on volcanoes.

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Database Administrator

Database administrators design, implement, and maintain databases. They use a variety of software and techniques to manage data and ensure that it is secure and accessible. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for database administrators who work on volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Database Administrator

Business Analyst

Business analysts use data and analysis to help businesses make informed decisions. They use a variety of techniques to collect and analyze data, including surveys, interviews, and financial statements. This course provides a strong foundation in volcano monitoring techniques, which would be useful for business analysts who work on volcanoes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst